THREE GENERATIONS
WRITTEN BY: OGECHI ALABI
CHAPTER 33
He didn’t have a choice but to have the dreaded discussion with Nwakaego. He went to her room and asked to have a meeting with her. Everyone excused them
“Is the child truly mine?” he asked Nwakaego.
“Didn’t she swear she was yours? Why do you want to learn the ha-rd way? The girl in question is a good girl. She made mistakes, repented from them and begged for your forgiveness. You disrespected her by bringing another woman into her house. I saw Charity today; does she know what you are up to? You are deceiving two women; no, more than two women. I refused to say anything but I have to talk now. I have always thought you were wiser and more principled than Obi. When you brou-ght Charity, I wasn’t happy about it but I felt it would juggle Uloma to do the right thing. But, Onyedika, you have dragged this for too long, you have shown me a side of you that is irritating. I haven’t said anything before except to advise you but now I must give you some ha-rd facts. If you lose Uloma, you have lost your life. Uloma genuinely loves you. She is very stubborn and strongwilled but you see, when it comes to you, she can’t resist. See, this Charity you are carrying up and down isn’t wise. Do you want a woman who sees fire sparks in the house and will remain inside just because her husband asked her to stay inside? She doesn’t know what to do than obey your instructions. She doesn’t have initiative and isn’t wise. Everyone has seen the handwriting on the wall except her. I will advise you to send her away now. Once she leaves, I will go with you and Obi to appeal to your in-laws for us to see the baby. That’s the first step. Then you name her; she doesn’t have a name yet. After that, you will pay visits to your wife and daughter until she goes back. This is my advice to you. If you don’t accept it, it won’t change the love I have for you”
Onyedika sat down with his head in his palms. He knew Nwakaego was right. He messed up. Why didn’t she talk to him like this earlier? Why wait until now? He wondered how he would send Charity away without suspicion. She had been monitoring him closely. She also made him make affirmations of his love and commitment to her. He didn’t want to hurt her. He initially used her as a pawn. She was the perfect candidate because of her bosom and good looks. He knew Uloma would be intimidated. Deflowering her was a big mistake. She didn’t tell him she was a vir-ginwhen they started. It was in the processing of consummating the relationship he discovered and she urged him to do it. He knew that was why she was tied to him. He knew it had to end and he had to find a way to do it amicably.
He thanked Nwakaego and left for his apa-rtment. He went to bed that afternoon pondering on how to get himself out of this entanglement. He had to get Charity out of the village without suspicion from her. He would resolve the other issue with her later. He thought up and plan. He stood up, dressed up and left the apa-rtment.
Charity could see Onyedika was worried about something. He told her he wanted to be left alone and she gave him space. She went to mama’s backyard to find out what happened. Mama’s maid was her informant. While they were talking, Nwanneka overheard their conversation. Before the maid could say anything, Nwanneka stepped out for them to see her.
“So this is what you do? You bribe Nneoma to give you information. If you are confident in what you are doing, would you nee-d to be bribing anyone for information? Nneoma, get into the house. As for you, use your tongue to count your teeth. Mama Chigozie has a daughter for her husband. Use your tongue to count your teeth. I am going to tell mama what I saw now” she walked away before Charity could say a word.
Charity became scared. If Nwanneka says anything, it would upset Onyedika who was already in his element since he came back from picking Chigozie. She knew he would flare-up. She didn’t want to be exp-osed. She decided to report Nwanneka to Onyedika before Nwanneka reports to mama. She went back to the apa-rtment but Onyedika was no longer there. Where did he go? She wondered. She waited for him to come back.
When Onyedika came back, before Charity could complain about Nwanneka, he told her to forget about everyone and concentrate on more important things. She was annoyed. When it came to Nwanneka, he always took sides with her. This was common knowledge. He wasn’t angry. He seemed more relaxed.
It looked like Nwanneka didn’t make good her threat because no one confronted Charity. Nwanneka didn’t think Charity was worth making the family upset that day. She told her mother though.
Two days after Christmas, someone came to the house in the village to see Onyedika. He said he was from the Nigerian Customs and he was asked to inform Onyedika to report to Abuja immediately for an official @$$ignment.
“But I am on leave”
“You are to report with immediate effect”
Onyedika asked Charity to pack up for him. Then he asked her to pack for herself and Chigozie. Chigozie was to remain in the village while he goes to Abuja. Charity was to go to her family to spend the rest of the holidays.
They both left for Enugu and then he left for Abuja. Only that he didn’t leave for Abuja but he drove back to the closest town to his village and lodged in a hotel. It was a well thought out plan. If Charity comes to the village, she would not meet him there.
He spent the rest of the day and night preparing himself for the journey he was about to embark on. There was no going back. Nwakaego was very correct. He had acted very irresponsibly and in the process had hurt people de-eply. He knew Uloma was hurt. He also knew Charity will be badly hurt. He couldn’t keep her as a mistress when he reconciles with Uloma; there was no way that would happen.
Onyedika knew he still loved his wife Uloma. Yes, he acted out of anger but she used her bad behaviour to compound the whole situation. They both nee-d to forgive each other and then heal. He knew it would be difficult convincing Uloma because she was stubborn but he nee-ded the new year to start on a new note.
The following morning, he went to see Uloma. He met his father-in-law in the sitting room. They exchanged pleasantries. He then talked to him. “Papa Uloma, I have come back to see you today because I have realized how stupid I have been. I haven’t behaved like a responsible man and I feel ashamed of my conduct so far. Each time I come here, you treat me like an in-law you love but I haven’t reciprocated that love. When I had challenges with my wife, I should have sought your advice and that of my father who un-derstands the ways of women. I didn’t do that. Now my family is in disarray and I feel ashamed. I have been a major contributor to the problem. I have come to ask for your forgiveness”
“Onyedika, you are like a son to me. You have treated me with love and respect from the first day you asked for my daughter’s hand in marriage. You are not the only one who made mistakes, Uloma did too. Both of you are strongwilled. I un-derstand how you feel and I am grateful to God you have come to the realization that you made a mistake. I hold no grudge against you. What do you want?”
“I want to see my wife and daughter”
Papa Uloma was taken aback. He asked, “Have you accepted she is your child? The reason why I ask this is because Uloma said you denied her”
“Everyone in my family says she is my daughter. Uloma says she is my daughter. I have accepted her. Let me see for myself”
Papa Uloma stood up and went inside to get Uloma. He had to convince her to come out and receive her husband with the baby. When Uloma agreed, she took a bath and dressed up. Her mother helped dress the baby well to see her father for the first time. Mama Uloma left her in the room with the baby, came out to greet Onyedika and then left for the kitchen. She was very happy.
Uloma came out wearing a pair of shorts and a top. She brou-ght her daughter dressed in a pink cotton dress and hairband. She handed her over to Onyedika without saying a word. Immediately Onyedika beheld his daughter, tears flowed from his eyes, she was indeed his. He held her closely and ti-ghtly. Papa Uloma and Uloma watched in amazement.
Onyedika spoke to his daughter who just stared at him, “I am sorry my princess, my ada, please forgive me. Your parents are two hot-headed people but because of you, we will set aside our differences and give you the best life possible. If your mother accepts, we can start all over. You, your brother, your mum and I”
Uloma burst into tears and ran back into her room leaving Onyedika and her daughter behind. Onyedika wanted to go after her but didn’t want to be forward. He held his baby in his hands and looked towards the door expecting Uloma to come back but she didn’t. Papa Uloma called his wife to take the baby from Onyedika. He said to him, “Go after her, she is waiting for you”
Onyedika nodded his head towards him and whispered, “Thank you” and went in search of Uloma.
He saw Uloma in her room laying on the bed. He came into the room and sat beside her. She turned only to see her husband.
“How do I apologise to you? How do I say I was wrong? How do I declare I was a fool, a big one at that? What do you want me to do to make it right and I swear to you, I will do it?”
Uloma didn’t say anything. She still sobbed quietly. He removed her hands from her face and looked at her, “I love you. Yes, I have behaved badly and I nee-d your forgiveness. Nwunye m, I never stopped loving you. I made big mistakes in the process of trying to hurt you. I want you back. I want my family back; this has dragged for too long”
“What about Charity? What will happen to her?”
“I will compensate her and make her un-derstand my family nee-ds me. I will do anything you want me to do for you to come back. Ask anything, anything at all and I will do it”
“I have forgiven you but I don’t want to come back to the house in the village”
“Why?”
“Is it not there you laid with Charity? I can’t use the same things she used when she was with you. I will support you; we nee-d to build our own house in the village. Maybe we should build separately and leave the house for mama Nwanneka. It is rightfully her house”
“You’ve made a valid point here. I will make sure before the year runs out, we will build a befitting house for us. What else?”
“Are you ready to do away with all the ladies you have kept in Lagos? It is better I stay the way I have stayed than return and then you will still be womanizing. I can’t share you with anybody.”
“You won’t. Once I have you, I will not desi-re anyone else. It will be just you now and forever”
“Are you sure? You can say anything now but know that whatever you say now is binding. I have endured for three years, nna, I have tried.”
“Nobody had access to my property okwaya?”
“I am not like you. I respected the sanctity of my marriage. Didn’t allow anyone access. But you, every tom, di-ck and harry had access”
“It’s not true. It was just Charity and one or two flings. I am a man and I have nee-ds. You know how much I had to have you when we were together. It didn’t change when we were apa-rt, the only issue was I had to manage someone else. It won’t happen again”
“Onyedika, I sincerely want to believe this is real. I hope I am not dreaming”
“You are not. I have realized my mistakes and I will make up for them for the rest of my life”
“God, this has always been my prayer. Thank you for answered prayers. I will no longer be mocked and called abandoned property. The siege is over”
“Amen”
They stayed together in her room for hours, talking and planning their future together. Uloma told Onyedika about the offer to Ondo. He asked her to take it and he would be visiting every weekend. It was a big opportunity she couldn’t throw away.
Uloma was worried if she wasn’t around, Onyedika will go back to his old ways. She didn’t want to worry too much about his escapades. She told him she would p@$$ this time and spend time with her family.
‘I think you should consider it. I will be stationed at Seme border and won’t come back for days or sometimes weeks. I will get a new accommodation which you alone will know about for now. Trust me, I have turned a new leaf. I will nee-d time to cut off ties but I promise you, I won’t lay with any other except you”
They laid in each other’s arms while they made future plans together. It was a dream come true for both of them.
Uloma’s parents tiptoed from the door after listening to their conversation. They were happy that at last, their daughter can go back to her home.
CHAPTER 34
Onyedika took his wife to his hotel for proper reconciliation. They came back later that night for the baby. They spent three nights together before they decided to do the right thing traditionally. Onyedika was to bring his wife back home. He nee-ded his father, Obi and Nwakaego to join him on this mission.
They came with drinks and other items to collect their wife back. The two families reconciled and forgave each other. They ate and drank together. The next stage was to name his daughter. Onyedika called her Chiemeka meaning God has done well, papa named her Adaugo and Uloma named her Nkasiobi (comforter).
They went back to the hotel from there and stayed for another week before they went back to Lagos together. Onyedika stayed with Uloma at her home while she processed her transfer to Ondo state. They made a vow to each other to forgive, forget and trust each other. There wouldn’t be secrets between; they could talk about anything and everything.
Uloma made Onyedika promise to end the relationship with Charity. He told her why she clung to him and @$$ured her, once she was settled in Ondo, he will go down to Enugu and end the relationship. Uloma was worried he would get inti-mate with her while there but he promised her it won’t happen.
Onyedika knew it would be difficult for him to end the relationship with Charity. His conscience reminded him of how he led her on. He knew she wouldn’t take it lightly and might fight him but he wanted to be a good and faithful husband he had always been. He decided to compensate her with whatever she requested.
When Uloma and the children were settled in Ondo state, Onyedika decided to have his last deception before moving forward. He didn’t want to hurt Uloma so he claimed to be reporting to Seme border meanwhile he drove to Enugu state to see Charity.
Charity was excited to see him. She made food for him to eat and ran a bath for him. Later that night, he talked to her. Charity couldn’t believe her ears. She cried as Onyedika explained to her he had reconciled with Uloma and the family was back together.
“This isn’t what he promised. Onyedika, I love you. You said it will never happen. Was it your family that for-ced you to reconcile with Uloma? Was it your mother? Is it because I haven’t gotten pregnant? Do you think I am barren too? I am not, Onyedika, I missed my period since I came back from the village. This is the first time it is ever happening and it is now you reconciled with Uloma. What do I do now?”
“I didn’t do this intentionally. I was too ha-rd on Uloma and both of us were stubborn. I have two children Charity and I realise I have not been fair to them. They deserve to have a happy family. Please forgive me, I beg of you. I made the mistake and I accept my error. I shouldn’t have led you on; I never thought Uloma and I would ever reconcile”
“Why wasn’t I enough for you? I took very good care of your son. I ensured you were well taken care of. I believed you when you told me you loved me. I @$$ured me you didn’t sleep with Uloma meanwhile you did. You didn’t defend me in the presence of family. I should have known but I was blinded by love. My family have asked me questions. “This man that refused to marry you but will take you to his village, are you sure he wants to be with?” What do I answer them now? I am the loser here. I feel so stupid. I kept wondering what Nwanneka meant by saying, use your tongue to count your teeth. She knew something. They all knew you were reconciling with Uloma. Onyedika, Onyedika, Onyedika, how many times did I call you? You will surely regret this”
“Baby, I know I have offended you and it will be nearly impossible for you to forgive. Tell me whatever you want from me and I will give it to you. Anything within my capacity right now to do, I will do it”
“You will do anything I ask?”
“As long as you forgive me”
“I don’t want anything for now. I will let you know when I want something. I would have said a child but I know you will never agree to it. I will call up this debt when the time is right. Since you want to end it, let us spend one final night together. I hope I am not asking for too much”
“You are not. I will miss you”
“I will miss you more.”
When Onyedika returned to Lagos, he moved all his belongings out of his previous apa-rtment and got a better apa-rtment that was big enough for his family when they visit. He refused to inform anyone where he previously resided where he moved to.
A month later, he was promoted to the chagrin of some senior officers and the joy of some of his friends. He also received a posting out of Seme border to Tincan Island Port. This was a higher level. Onyedika was overjoyed. Reconciling with Uloma had brou-ght forth good fortune for them. He went to visit his family every weekend. Their love grew beyond their initial bonds.
Three months later, Uloma was pregnant again. Onyedika couldn’t thank God enough. The family was blessed with promotions and now a new addition to the family. Everything was looking very good.
Charity came to visit him in his office. She had gone to Seme border and was informed he was now at Tincan Island. She went to see him at Tincan Island port. Onyedika was surprised to see her. She had waited at the gate because he was not on seat to let her in. He asked her where she was staying so he could drop her off. She said she came to see him; she had missed him. Onyedika didn’t un-derstand why she came. There was no way he could share a bed with her again. He had cut ties with her and he wasn’t ready to dishonour his promise to Uloma.
He drove her to a nice hotel. He paid for her to lodge. He took her to get a nice meal. He told her he had to work that night and would see her the next day. The next day, Onyedika came to pick her up, took her shopping on broad street. Gave her such a good time as she had never had before. He took her back to the hotel and told her he would be travelling later that day to see his family, they were expecting him.
“But I came to see” she answered badly hurt.
‘I have explained to you I can’t be with you like that anymore. I will give you enough money to go back. I have to see my family this weekend”
“You can go and come back; I will wait for you. I want to spend time with you.”
“Charity, I am back with my wife and I have promised her I won’t be with another woman. I hurt you and I am ready to make up for it but I can’t be with you. I can’t have any encounter. Uloma nee-ds me now”
“Because she is pregnant? You went back to her because she is fertile? She’s having another baby so soon. I never got pregnant for you. I should have. When I decided to, you were no longer interested and I couldn’t conceive. I still love you and I am ready to be your concubine; Uloma doesn’t nee-d to know. It will just be between us” as she spoke, she tou-ched him in ways she knew would definitely bring the desi-red reaction but to her surprise, he stopped her.
“I can’t do this. I have hurt my family enough and I won’t do it again. You are a good person and I am sure you will find a man that will take very good care of you. Take this N15,000. It will take you back to Enugu and you can use the rest for whatever you desi-re. I am very sorry but please don’t look for me again. Biko”
“Just like that? You will leave me just like that? You have changed Onyedika. What did Uloma do to you? Please, just tonight. Spend tonight with me and I won’t disturb you again”
“Charity, don’t give me your body again. Preserve it for your husband. He will appreciate it more. Sleeping with me won’t change things rather it will complicate them. I want to be with you, but to honest, I have to build trust in my marriage. I have to tell Uloma you came around. I have to tell her I was tempted to sleep with you. If I don’t tell her someone else will and it will complicate things”
“What will she now do when she finds out you wanted to sleep with me?”
“She will appreciate the fact that I was disciplined enough to turn you down and come to her. Charity, let’s not pla-y games. I want to be with my family. You will find a better man than me. I will support you the best I can. Please un-derstand”
That was the last conversation he had with Charity. She wept bitterly in the car before she came down and entered the hotel without looking back. Onyedika felt her pain but he knew if he went to be with her, doom was waiting by the door. He didn’t want a repeat of what happened and he knew Uloma was insecure with him. She didn’t trust him at all because of his previous reputation. It was in the process of proving to her he had turned a new leaf she took in again. He wanted her to experience only joy and happiness during this pregnancy and nothing less.
Uloma took her maternity leave and came to Lagos to stay with Onyedika. Contractions began very early in the morning. Onyedika had to take her to the hospital and be with her as there was no one else who could. Uloma laboured for three hours and gave birth to a bouncing baby. Onyedika’s joy knew no bounds. They had made up for the lost years. He was very happy. He said to Uloma, “This is our last bus stop. No more children. May we always have to provide for them”
The news filtered home. Papa and mama were very happy with the news. The entire family was overjoyed. Onyedika was the last child and now the father of three very healthy children. Nwakaego and Chinyere picked Uloma’s mother and they both travelled to Lagos for ‘omugwo’ together. Nwakaego and Chinyere stayed for two weeks before they left. The family was fully united. The wives of the sons of the family were very co-operative now. Such a formidable for-ce will be difficult to be destroyed.
Life continued for everyone. Years went by, the grandchildren graduated from schools, some gained admission. Some got married and had children. The family was growing and everyone was happy.
Tbc